A new sports pavilion has opened at Overstenton Park in Glenrothes.
Following a full funding package being secured, with investment from The Scottish Football Partnership Trust, Fife Council, sportscotland and other key partners, the Clubhouse is set to improve access to physical activity and give football in Fife a further boost.
Glenrothes Strollers CFC was formed in 1973 and has built up a membership of over 500 players and 50 volunteers with 24 teams currently playing football. Organised football sessions are delivered every week including 4 girls’ teams, nursery classes for 4 to 6 year olds and 3 teams for players with learning disabilities. The club were named SFA East Region Community Club of the year and the SFA Grassroots Club of the year. They have led the expansion of providing football for Pan Disability by supporting other clubs to do similar throughout the East Region. They were one of the first clubs in Scotland to be awarded the Scottish FA’s Legacy Mark.
The Club’s core purpose is to promote physical and mental health, social inclusion and employability, personal development and social skills in a fun and supportive environment. Attention is paid to the value of teamwork, respect for authority, self-discipline and respect for self and others. The Club is supported and recommended by teachers, social workers, police and community leaders.
Glenrothes Strollers Community Football Club were one of the first clubs back in 2009 to receive portable changing facilities from The Scottish Football Partnership and with the club continuing to grow and develop the SFP Trust was delighted to assist the ‘Strollers’ continue their evolution with a grant of £20,000 for this project which also attracted significant investment from Fife Council and sportscotland as well as grants from other funding partners including the Robertson and Gannochy Trusts. Fantastic support was also received from several very generous local businesses.
Speaking on the project, John Buchanan, Chairman commented: “We are delighted that our dream is now a reality. This new facility means more people can take part in football’s fun, fitness and friendship opportunities! We’re pleased that the value of the services and activities we deliver have been recognised and we’re working hard to make this a fantastic community facility we can all be proud of.”
Brian Gibson, Secretary of Glenrothes Strollers added: “This has been an incredible journey for our club – from its formation in 1973 we have now grown into one of the largest grassroots clubs in Scotland. We offer football to both boys and girls from 4 years old to adult, including our very successful Pan-Disability section. With the support of our partners at Shared Care Scotland we have created fun football opportunities at clubs all over the East of Scotland for children and young people with a range of disabilities and additional support needs. This facility will now let us grow further and we have ambitious plans for further improvement.”
The Pavilion Glenrothes is a brand new café that has opened up within The Strollers Community Clubhouse (pictured below) and is open 7 days a week and provides a relaxed atmosphere. The pavilion building has six changing rooms incorporating showers, toilets, two referees’ rooms and much needed storage. A club room for parents and visitors will also help to encourage people to take part in wider club activities.
